Ana Maria Ulla Miguel

Ana María Ulla Miguel is a full-time professor at the University of Vigo since 1997, affiliated with the Faculty of Biology and the Department of Applied Physics. She is a leading astrophysicist involved in the Gaia mission of the European Space Agency (ESA), contributing to mapping the Milky Way. She also leads the AS1 Astronomy and Astrophysics Group (2005–2017) and is part of the XM2 Marine and Environmental Geology research group. She serves on the board of the Ceo, Ciencia e Cultura Foundation managing the Forcarei Astronomical Observatory.

Her academic background includes a Doctorate from the University of La Laguna (1993) with a thesis on "Interacting Binary Ob White Dwarf Stars," supervised by Dr. Dolores Sabau Graziati. Earlier studies were at the University of Santiago de Compostela, followed by specialization in Astrophysics at the University of La Laguna.

Her research focuses on astrophysics, particularly stellar astrophysics and galaxy evolution. She is a key member of the Gaia mission, which aims to create a precise 3D map of the Milky Way. Her work also involves studying binary star systems and contributing to space science through collaborations with institutions like ESA and the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC). She actively promotes science communication through her writing, including a children’s novel, Desde el jardín, las estrellas (2015).

Awards include the "Outstanding Galician 2013" (shared with Minia Manteiga) from Diálogos 90 Association and the "Scientific Woman 2020" from IES Val Miñor.

As Principal Investigator of the AS1 Group from 2005 to 2017, she spearheaded research in astronomy and astrophysics. While specific grants are not detailed, her involvement in the Gaia mission reflects significant collaborative projects. She has advised students in her research areas but no specific advisees are listed in the provided materials.

Affiliations include the AS1 Astronomy and Astrophysics Group, the Gaia mission team (ESA), the XM2 Marine and Environmental Geology group, and the Forcarei Astronomical Observatory board.